Business Assistance & Resources
After Hurricane Helene, our local business community has proven its strength and unity in the face of adversity. As your Chamber, we are honored to be here for you, providing a hub for essential resources from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and others. We will continue to update this page with important information about loans, grants, and assistance to help meet your needs. Together, we can rebuild and emerge even stronger than before.
Donation Request for Agency or Nonprofits in Henderson County
Small Business Administration
The SBA offers disaster recover loans to assist businesses (and individuals) impacted by disasters. These loans help cover expenses related to repairs, rebuilding, and restoring operations. You can contact teh SBA for help with the loan application process and ensure you have all the required documentation for financial assistance.
- SBA Launches Disaster Assistance for North Carolina Residents and Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene
- La SBA Inicia Asistencia Por Desastre Para Los Residentes y Negocios de Carolina del Norte Afectados por La Tormenta Tropical Helene
- Fact Sheet
- Fact Sheet en Espanol
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA provides various resources, grants, and low-interest loans to aid businesses recovering from federally declared disasters. Be sure to register promptly to receive aid and stay updated on any further support FEMA may offer throughout the recovery process.
Mountain BizWorks
Administered by Mountain BizWorks, WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund is now open and made possible from teh Golden LEAF Foundation. This fund helps small businesses close the gap between when the disaster strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other diaster relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover and get back to business.
Employee Resources - Disaster Unemployment Assistance
If you are unemployed due to a federally declared disaster, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), which offers temporary payments to individuals who meet specific conditions related to the disaster's impact on their employment. The N.C. Division of Employment Security (DES) will assess your eligibility, and you may need to provide proof that you meet one of the qualifying conditions, such as job loss, inability to work, or becoming the primary household income provider due to the disaster.
Henderson County and Surrounding Municipal Information
